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Dunkin' Donuts Goes Gluten Free

Dunkin' Donuts has always been an innovator in fast food options and will soon be offering a gluten-free version of their famous doughnuts.

Many people are adopting a gluten-free diet, especially those with celiac disease. Dunkin' Donuts is preparing to accommodate these customers with a gluten-free version of their delicious doughnuts. Always a fast food innovator, this is sure to be a hit with customers who are steering clear of gluten.

Gluten-Free Pastries from Dunkin' Donuts

Breakfast is taking on a whole new look at Dunkin' Donuts with gluten-free pastries that can be nibbled on anytime of day. HGTV healthy breakfast recipes recently included a muffin with vegetables. Dunkin' Donuts will serve its own gluten-free blueberry muffins as well as gluten-free cinnamon-sugar doughnuts. It's a break-through that is sure to please Dunkin' lovers on a gluten-free diet. They are definitely much different from the breakfast sandwich on a glazed doughnut recently introduced by Dunkin' Donuts.

Bloomberg reported Stan Frankenthaler, executive chef for Dunkin' Donuts, said the gluten-free pastries will be sold this year in stores across the United States. He said they fast food giant recognized the importance of offering options “including alternative choices for people with food and dietary restrictions.” Often cross-contamination is a concern for people on a strict gluten-free diet, such as those with celiac disease. The pastries will be packaged separately to avoid contamination from foods that have wheat flour. Domino's currently offers pizza with gluten-free crusts. Starbucks might also hop on the gluten-free train in the near future.

Is Gluten-Free Healthier?

People with celiac disease cannot eat foods that contain gluten such as the proteins found in rye, wheat and barley. It is an autoimmune disorder and people are advised to avoid foods with gluten. More than 1 in every 100 Americans has celiac disease. For these people, a gluten-free diet is essential. According to the Mayo Clinic, when people with this disorder eat gluten an immune response is triggered in the small intestine. In time, the reaction causes inflammation and the lining of the small intestine is damaged. This prevents nutrients from being absorbed and eventually organs are deprived of the nourishment they need. It can affect development and growth in children. While there is no cure, a gluten-free diet is recommended to avoid stomach pain and these advanced symptoms.

Many other people are opting for a gluten-free diet even if they don't have celiac disease. Some find a gluten-free diet makes them feel healthier. Some gluten-free foods are higher in calories than other similar choices. The new gluten-free doughnut has 320 calories and a glazed one has 260. The gluten-free blueberry muffin will have 400 calories versus the regular one that contains 460 calories. The gluten-free doughnut is expected to sell for just under $2 while the muffin with be a bit more than $2. People on a gluten-free diet are sure to want to try them as tasty gluten-free baked goods can be hard to find. If the gluten-free pastries are a success, more fast food chains are likely to offer their own versions to appeal to this growing market.